Alwetend en objectief De presentatie en structuur van de Res Gestae van Augustus

Word order and lexical cohesion are the main devices by means of which the coherence of the Res Gestae Divi Augusti is made explicit. Word order is used to structure the text as a whole, while lexical cohesion functions as a cohesion device on the level of the caput; on this level, the particle autem is used as well. In brief asides, usually relative clauses, the author evaluates his deeds. An analysis of tense usage (both quantitative and in close reading) shows that the text type of the Res Gestae Divi Augusti is non-narrative, with an important role for the perfect tense. At the sentence level epistolary tense usage creates the effect of a temporal standpoint after the death of Augustus. Together, these Latin cohesion devices enhance the objective and factual tone of the Res Gestae Divi Augusti.